An annotated checklist of the vascular flora of Majella National Park (Central Italy)

Abstract

The Majella National Park is located in Abruzzo region (Central Italy) and covers an area of 740 Km2. An updated checklist of the vascular plants growing in the park is here presented on the basis of extensive field surveys carried out from 1982 to 2018, analysis of relevant literature and review of herbarium specimens kept in APP, FI, NAP, RO, and Herb. Magellense. The park’s flora amounts to 2,286 specific and subspecific taxa (including 11 hybrids), belonging to 118 families and 694 genera. According to our results, 201 taxa are endemic to Italy; 136 taxa are reported for the first time in the park, of which two taxa are new for Abruzzo region; 73 taxa have not been confirmed in recent times and 42 are doubtfully occurring taxa. The Park represents the southern or northern border of their Italian distribution of 137 taxa. Moreover, Poa ligulata is confirmed for the flora of Italy. The non-native flora amounts to 110 taxa. The number of taxa recorded in the Majella National Park is one of the highest in a protected area within the Mediterranean Basin.